Use the solar energy with a solar thermal system

With a solar thermal system, you can harness the sun's free energy to reduce your monthly energy costs. In addition, by installing a solar thermal system, you are signaling your responsibility to the environment by sustainably reducing CO₂ emissions. By investing in such a system, you also increase the value of your property at the same time. With Viessmann technology, you are relying on future security and the optimum interaction of all system components. With more than 40 years of experience in the development and manufacture of solar thermal systems, you can rely on our technical expertise and top quality. Solar thermal is an excellent addition to a heating system.

Regardless of whether you decide on a new condensing heating system using oil or gas, a heating system for wood or even a heat pump - all Viessmann systems are designed for combination with a solar thermal system.

> Thermische Solaranlagen (PDF, 945 KB)
 

What is a solar thermal system?

In principle, a solar thermal system is a solar system that can be used for water heating and heating support. Due to the free available solar energy you do not only save fossil energy. The investment in a solar thermal system pays for itself within a few years. This is because there are no costs for an energy source.

In order to use the sun's energy, collectors are required that capture this radiation. Viessmann Vitosol tubular and flat-plate collectors have been developed for this purpose. They absorb the sun's rays and convert them into usable heat.

In addition to the collectors, a solar thermal system consists of an absorber, a solar circuit and a solar fluid or solar medium. When the rays hit the collectors, this energy is converted into heat in the absorber. It is first conveyed to the buffer tank or drinking water storage tank and from there distributed through the circuit in the household - either as a support for the heating circuit or for heating the domestic water. The heat is first transported to the corresponding storage tank by means of a medium - the solar fluid. From the drinking water storage tank, the heat then reaches the taps such as the faucet or shower in the form of the hot water as required.

Differentiation according to application

In principle, you have the option of using solar energy to heat drinking water and support heating. The savings in oil or gas are considerable in any case: with a solar system, you use a good 60 percent less energy per year that would otherwise be needed to heat water for your daily needs. If you combine the heating of drinking water and heating water, the annual savings are around 35 percent of the total energy required.

But what should you consider in advance in the design?

As a rule of thumb for the design in a one- or two-family house, if the collector area is oriented between southeast and southwest, 1.5 m² flat-plate collector or 1.0 m² tube collector area can be assumed per 100 liter storage volume. To compensate for reduced yields caused by unfavorable orientation or inclination, the collector area can be increased somewhat.

Can you also combine solar thermal with conventional radiators?

A common misconception is that solar thermal for heating support is only possible with underfloor heating systems. Classic radiators can also be used. The yields are only insignificantly lower on an annual average and are determined primarily by the somewhat higher return temperatures from the radiators.

How does a solar system work?